Middlesbrough U21s earned a point on the road in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa U21s on Friday evening in a PL2 fixture.
The match began with both sides competing fiercely in end-to-end football. Aston Villa took the lead inside ten minutes through Oscar Johnson, who chipped the ball over Boro goalkeeper Owen Foster after being played in on goal.
Villa had chances to extend their advantage, with two similar opportunities from crosses to the back post, but Boro's defence held firm. Ten minutes after falling behind, Boro equalised when Rio Patterson-Powell played Layton Campbell through on goal, and Campbell finished with a cool touch under the Villa keeper.
Own goal puts Boro ahead
With the sides level, Middlesbrough dominated possession and pressed Villa back. Cruz Ibeh came close to scoring when he latched onto a loose ball and attempted to lob the keeper, but his effort hit the crossbar.
Boro's second goal came in unexpected fashion. Alfie Lynskey shanked a clearance from a throw-in near the halfway line, and the ball beat Villa goalkeeper to give Middlesbrough a 2-1 lead via an own goal.
As the first half closed, Villa looked dangerous and almost levelled through Routh at the back post, but his effort went wide.
Equaliser and penalty drama
Villa drew level seven minutes into the second half with Johnson's second goal of the match, making it 2-2.
Boro were awarded a penalty shortly after when Ibeh was brought down in the box. Ibeh stepped up but saw his effort saved by Villa goalkeeper Early, keeping the sides level.
